Meet colonial women who will share true tales of the Black experience in Philadelphia and listen to Ince Upon A Nation Storytellers share little-known stories about the city’s Free Black community in the 18th century and beyond. These Black History Month programs at the Betsy Ross House are FREE.

History Maker Saturdays

From 11am to 3pm each Saturday in February, meet Ona Judge or Margaret Woodby and learn about their fascinating lives and experiences as Black women in colonial Philadelphia.

Ona Judge was enslaved by George Washington’s family and brought with him, along with seven other enslaved people, to Philadelphia during his presidency. She fled one day when the Washingtons were preparing to return to Virginia between sessions of Congress.

In 1785, Margaret Woodby placed an ad for her shop in Coombs Alley near Front Street (now the corner of Cuthbert and Front streets) for her bakery shop. She became successful, and the 1790 census shows that at that time she was still living and working in her red frame house and bakery. Meet Margaret, learn about the community of free Black tradespeople, and maybe even learn to shape your own confections when you meet her in the courtyard as part of the Meet the Women of 18th Century Philadelphia program.

Storytelling Sundays

Hear true stories of the Black experience in Philadelphia history for free on Sundays in February from 11am – 3pm.